But as old Al details in that classic speech from "Any Given Sunday", you've got to fight for that inch and the Rangers have yet to put that effort in. For all of his blustering and hysterics, Torts has never been able to get his team ready to play at puck drop so perhaps, perhaps - two games in - they will finally wake up for Game 3.
Perhaps getting out of that cesspool city they were in for the first two games will help. But, given how quiet the Garden has been this year, home ice may not be so much of an advantage. Plus, I saw that there are over two thousand tickets available between Stubhub and TicketsNow for Monday's match. Thanks to the insane prices set by Dolan's minions, plenty of True Blue are selling and it is impossible to blame them for it.
Either way, the games are won on the ice and not in the crowd. The saying goes that a playoff series isn't over until a team loses at home. So, at least we have that. For now.
Enough about Game 3, some Late Hits about 2:
*Three power plays, nothing. Guys standing around, taking bad shots that were easily blocked ... Ranger typical. Were they hosed on Alzner's puck into the crowd? Absolutely. But do you really think another power play really would have mattered?
*Here's a wild thought for the Rangers: don't shoot the puck at Holtby's chest.
*Wouldn't it be nice for the team to forecheck, to hold their own blue line, to carry the puck across the opposition's instead of dumping ... what wonderful team that would be to watch.
*The scorekeeper counted an insane 58 hits for the Rangers. Fifty-eight hits that resulted in just five takeaways. That's a problem. Hit for possession, hit for intimidation, don't hit just to hit.
*That was a big issue for DZ over the last few years (and still is) but the kid is putting together some of the best defensive shifts of his career. It is a shame that they are largely wasted as his partners are horrible and the two guys above him are so exhausted that they're making amateur mistakes.
*Speaking of amateur, John Tortorella. What kind of coach is so clueless, so incapable of motivating his players, so lacking in ideas that he has to juggle his lines in the second game of the playoffs? (Yes, I know he has done it all season long, it was rhetorical.)
*As for his decision to put Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett in ... ridiculousness. Boyle, who's mere presence is a black hole in the lineup that makes the lines uneven, and a guy who is coming off an injury, has never played in the playoffs and never played for the organization before. And neither of them have any real hope of scoring goals, the prime problem of Game 1.
*It is a real shame that Torts has no faith in Chris Kreider. No idea why the bench boss has so much faith in Taylor Pyatt.
*That being said, no judgement on Dorsett's first game. He shouldn't have been inserted in the lineup cold turkey but he appeared to skate hard and was certainly willing to throw his recently-healed body around. We'll see what happens once Torts drains the life out of him.
*Previously made the comparison of Brian Boyle to Willie Huber before but now I want to issue an apology. Willie, wherever you are (he passed away in '10), I'm sorry. You were not nearly as useless.
*Zuccarello was all over the ice in the first period, then pretty much disappeared as Torts started his juggling act. Using him as the physical winger with a completely covered Nash and a legless Richard$ is pointless.
*John Carlson had seven shots on goal in 10 attempts for Washington. The entire Ranger defense had four shots on goal on 11 attempts. The Caps are capably clogging the middle, but the Blueshirts are taking far too long in their decision making.
*Best part of the series coming back to MSG? No stupid horn or morons incessantly banging on the glass. Man, are DC fans annoying or what?
3-Braden Holtby - 24 saves.
2-Mike Green - one goal.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 37 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Cally - The only Ranger skater who looked interested throughout the entire game, the only one who looked like he got angry. Woulda loved to hear what Hendricks said to him in that scrum.
2-Green - Saw his goal coming a mile away and it still beat Hank.
1-Hank - No King, no chance. This one woulda been five or six-zip, easily.
"R1, G2: Disappointment in DC - The Challenge of Bouncing Back in the Playoffs"
In the world of professional sports, playoff games often serve as a true test of a team's resilience and character. Game 2 in any playoff series can be a defining moment, and "R1, G2: Disappointment in DC" encapsulates the struggles and challenges that teams face as they seek to rebound from setbacks. In this article, we will explore the significance of Game 2, recount memorable Game 2 comebacks, analyze the psychological hurdles of bouncing back, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the enduring lessons learned from these tough moments.
Chapter 1: The Weight of Game 2
A Series in Flux
Game 2 often marks a critical juncture in a playoff series. How does the outcome of Game 2 influence the narrative, momentum, and strategies employed by both teams?
Handling Disappointment
For the team that faces disappointment in Game 2, bouncing back becomes a matter of mental fortitude. How do players and coaches cope with the emotional and psychological challenges?
Chapter 2: Memorable Game 2 Comebacks
Tales of Redemption
Game 2 has witnessed remarkable comebacks that serve as tales of redemption. What are some of the most unforgettable Game 2 turnarounds in sports history, and how did they shape their respective series?
Iconic Plays
Great comebacks are often punctuated by iconic plays. Which pivotal moments define the history of Game 2 comebacks, and how have they influenced the series' trajectory?
Chapter 3: The Psychology of Playoff Setbacks
Overcoming Doubt
After a disappointing Game 2, doubt can creep into a team's psyche. How do players and coaches rally their mental strength to overcome self-doubt and focus on the task at hand?
Reclaiming Momentum
Bouncing back in Game 2 often requires a shift in momentum. How do teams regain their rhythm and momentum, especially when facing an opponent on a winning streak?
Chapter 4: Game 2 Across Different Sports
Universality of Challenge
The challenge of bouncing back in Game 2 transcends the boundaries of sport. How does the intensity and significance of Game 2 setbacks manifest in various sports, from basketball to hockey to baseball?
Cultural Impact
Game 2 disappointments hold cultural significance for fans worldwide. How have these moments become more than just sporting events, turning into cultural touchstones?
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions and inquiries about Game 2 setbacks:
Q1: Are there certain strategies or approaches that teams commonly use to bounce back from a disappointing Game 2?
A1: We can explore the strategies and approaches that teams often employ to rebound from a Game 2 setback, both on and off the field.
Q2: What are some examples of teams that faced a Game 2 disappointment and ultimately went on to win their respective championships?
A2: Highlighting teams that overcame Game 2 setbacks and achieved championship glory can illustrate the lasting impact of resilience.
Q3: How do fans contribute to the atmosphere and drama of Game 2 setbacks and comebacks?
A3: Fan reactions and the atmosphere they create during pivotal Game 2 moments can add another layer of intensity to these contests.
Q4: Can a Game 2 disappointment serve as a catalyst for a team's transformation and improvement over the course of a playoff run?
A4: We can explore whether Game 2 disappointments have the potential to spark a team's transformation and lead to improved performance as the playoffs progress.
Q5: What is the role of leadership in helping a team rebound from a Game 2 setback?
A5: Leadership plays a pivotal role in guiding a team through adversity. We can delve into the leadership qualities that are essential in the aftermath of a Game 2 disappointment.
Chapter 6: Conclusion - Rising from Defeat
Game 2 disappointments are a testament to the trials and tribulations that teams endure in the pursuit of championship glory. They serve as a reminder that adversity is an integral part of the playoff journey, and success is often defined by how well a team rebounds from defeat. As we reflect on "R1, G2: Disappointment in DC" and the countless other Game 2 setbacks that have left an indelible mark on the sports world, we are reminded that these moments are a celebration of the resilience and character of athletes. They teach us that in sports, as in life, the true measure of a team's greatness is its ability to rise from the ashes of disappointment and emerge stronger, more determined, and ultimately, victorious.
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